Gregor, I'm of the opinion that taking risks with your story was one of the things that made it as exceptional as it was. My hat's off to you, man; really nice work.

As for summarizing the assault on the Japanese bioterrorism lab, it was a risk. I decided that if I couldn't cover all the action they way I wanted to, I wouldn't cover any of it. Nevertheless, if I were rewriting it for publication I'd definitely want to flesh out that last section. It came out as more abrupt than I had intended.

One final thought: this contest is like aerobic exercise for the mind. It makes me think in unusual ways in order to link the photos, and I value that immensely.

I'm checked in. Sparky, let's rumble!

- Piratecat, EN World Admin. Now writing TimeWatch, an investigative time travel game.

On a personal note to Alsih2o: I knew the rape scene was a little strange and frankly I was not to sure of it myself. I wanted to do something dark and depressing and when it started to depress me, I knew it had to stay. I took a chance with a controversial topic and unfortunately it wasn't your cup of tea. Either way, I look forward to the next and my third Ceramic DM contest!

this had nothign to do with my vote away from you. writing is an art, and therefore can have multiple intents. i was uncomfortable with it, but i am uncomfortable with francis bacon too, and cannot quit looking at it. it worked, and made a powerful story, and that is so much more important than flowers and puppies

Hi all. I'm dropping in to say congrats to everyone! And thanks to the judges. I'm going to be packing and moving through the weekend. Judges and PC, if it is okay with all of you, could we start the Sparky/PC rumble on Monday or Tuesday?

If that is okay, consider me checked in. If not, please let me know so that we can keep Ceramic DM Autumn 03 (three threethree) moving.

Good luck to all, looking forward to crossing words with you, Piratecat.